How long would you hold out...

[LETRN]

for your first pick as a new grad?

The app I filled out has a ranking system 1-4 for the area you wish to work in as an intern. I reaaalllly want the ED and new Obs unit, so I put them as #1 and #2. I've been an employee at the hospital for 3 years, I'll have my BSN, and have a personal reference from an ED director from another hospital (that's not hiring new grads). I'm hoping that the combination of the three will at least get me an interview.

So, my question is...if it comes down to accepting something somewhere else (also applied to a pulm/telemetry floor where I did my senior practicum) or waiting for your first pick, how long would you wait? The pulm/tele floor manager offered me a night shift position unofficially, but I want to see what the ED brings first.

I'm so scared that in this job climate that I'm going to eff up my chances...but I think I have a good shot at ED since they're hiring 20-some new grads. Thoughts?

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't take any chances with holding out in this slumping economy. I would take the first position offered to me. But, then again, my perspective is different since I have experienced a degree of poverty and hunger during my childhood. It personally frightens me to be without something on which I can fall.

Many new grads have been unemployed across the country for over one year, while others must suffice with jobs at Starbucks because they cannot land nursing jobs. Any one of these people would happily take the job that you have marked as your choice number four.

[LETRN]

Don't get me wrong, I would be extremely grateful for any opportunity, for any experience I can get. I was curious as to opinions because the area in which I live isn't nearly as competetive as what I've read about on other forums. I feel like I have a working chance at my #1 pick, so I was curious as to what others would do if they were in the same position.

[Jules A, MSN]

Back when I graduated I would have been more picky but not now. FWIW it sounds like your mind is already made up anyway. Fingers crossed you get the ED job and please keep us posted.